This book is a mix of things, first we have historical fiction, and it feels to be on the lighter side, then we got a bit of romance. But most of the book is suspense/mystery. And it certainly works well, set in Tudor England as it is and filled with court intrigues. The book is part 2 of a series and sure it could work on its own, but still it would be better to read book 1 and see how they met. But yes I guess it could be read on its own too, they way its made up should make that possible.

In this book Susanna and Parker is resting after their ordeal in book 1. They are in love and hope to marry. Susanna still paints and Parker is snooping around keeping the king safe as always. I like how Susanna does not back down, she stands her ground, she is still very much a woman of her time, but just as some dared to do more so does she. And Parked does his best to keep his lady from harm as she made a few enemies (and so did he). So him I like.

The Duke of Norfolk is still a baddie but more in the background because this book belongs to Woolsey. A good fitting bad guy who is plotting for his own agenda. Just like they all are. And behind things we see more plots, The French, Norfolk, those irritating Boleyns. They will sure become a problem in later books as in this one Henry is still married to Katherine. And Susanna has already had her run-ins with them.

The suspense is high as an assassin is running around, as people try to hide what they are doing and there is danger and action plenty. The plot is well done and keeps the suspense high, along with the mystery.

I do think I liked this one even more than book 1, I can't say what made it so, it just was. I liked how things never slowed down, how light the book still was and how I practically read it in one sitting.

Conclusion:
This one is for fans of historical fiction and for those who want mystery and suspense. The best of two worlds all in one. It's light and good. So easy to read and a book you can finish in one day. The plot will have you coming back for more. ( )

Another great read! Just bouht the last book by Miss Diener to read, then my binge is finished :) Review coming... ( )

A fun, escapist mystery set in the court of Henry VIII. The court painter Susanna Horenbout aides her fiance John Parker in tracking down a missing jewel from Henry VIII's collection and hopefully preventing a war too. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I intend to read others in the series. ( )

This is the second book about Susanna Horenbout by Ms. Diener. The first. In a Treacherous Court set up her story and had her meeting her betrothed, John Parker. In this installment Susanna sees an old family friend - a diamond cutter - and calls to him. Instead of being happy to see her, he tries to kill her. This sets off a series of events that has Susanna and John working to safeguard one of King Henry's most prized jewels - the Mirror of Naples. The book pulls in famous characters from the reign including the Duke of Norfolk and Cardinal Woolsey but they play somewhat supporting roles to Susanna and John.

This is a quick and easy read - a Tudor mystery if you will. The history is less important than the relationship between the two protagonists. I enjoyed having a light story with all of the heavy books I have been reading. I flew right through it and was quite entertained. I would certainly pick up another of Ms. Diener's books if given the chance.

The central group of characters are very engaging - Susanna, John and their "gang" if you will. They are very loyal to one another willing to do what needs doing to protect each other and get the job done. What the reader usually thinks of as larger than life historical figures (King Henry, Woolsey, Norfolk) seem to fade into the background; this is definitely Susanna and John's tale. And that was somewhat refreshing.

If you are looking for a book long on historical detail though, this would not be the book for you to read. ( )

http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/2012/04/julies-review-keeper-of-kings-secre... ( )